July- COSTA RICA!!!
month 11
my final month on the race
Population: 4.6 million, Total Area: 19,730 sq. miles. (5,000 sq. miles smaller than West Virginia) (233 people per sq. mile)
Language-Spanigh, English Creole, Bribri, Cabecar
Religions- Roman Catholic 71%, Evangelical 14%, nonreligious 11%, other 4%
Ten percent of the world’s butterfly population resides in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is also the hummingbird capital of the world; 52 different species of hummingbird can be found here. Monkeys aand bats are two of the most common mammals people come across in Costa Rica.
Weather- Exciting news here we have active Volcano Peaks! (again… Mom don’t worry!) Tropical with swamps and rain forrest!! Looks like a hot humid month and we’re back to the rainy season! High 81* low 67*.
People- Education and Healthcare provision seem to be good with a literacy rate of 96%. Strong ties with the U.S. Costa Rica’s 1949 constitution bans a national army.
The average life expectancy of 77 years is one of the highest in the world.
Costa Rica has a female president, Laura Chinchilla. (GO Costa Rica!!!)
Names are confusing, Women do not take their husband’s last name. The woman uses her full maiden name for life. No changing of national ID cards, drivers licenses, etc. She also adds her mother’s maiden name. Children take their father’s name.
From the World Race– Costa Rica is a hot spot for surfing and just enjoying “pura vida” – literally, “pure life”, it’s a concept of a “chill,” relaxed, laidback way of life. The beautiful beaches that line both coasts are the perfect setting. Among the Central American countries, Costa Rica (“Rich Coast”) lives up to its name. While the natural beauty attracts lots of tourists, there are still large pockets of poverty and family brokenness. Because of its relative affluence, Costa Rica also draws in immigrants from neighboring countries, like Nicaragua, who don’t fare much better than they did before. You might help feed their physical and spiritual hunger – and discover other creative ways to give new meaning to the concept of “pura vida.”
My mission and 11th month on the race
may include surfing everyday and partnering with Christiansurfer.net, making mosaics out of broken glass with women rising above the slums in San Jose or working in skate park ministry with youth in Puerto Viejo!
Christian Surfers Costa Rica is made up of people who love God, enjoy surfing and are willing to pour out their lives for the Kingdom of God. “We are single people, married couples, young, old and in-between, Costa Ricans and people from around the world with a heart for Costa Rica, longboarders and shortboarders, big and small, long hair, short hair, and even no hair. What draws us together is our willingness to serve and our love for Jesus Christ.
Pearl Process Mosaics – San Jose
This is an Operation Mobilization ministry that reaches out to women in the slums of San Jose. These women get to work together, making beautiful mosaics out of broken glass. They have found worth in what they do and they know that the broken pieces of their lives can also be put together beautifully. These women are opening bank accounts for the first time and have be able to move their families out of the slums.
Concrete Jungle Skate Park – Puerto Viejo
This skate park ministry was brought to Puerto Viejo ten years ago to help the youth in the area. The couple that currently runs this ministry, Jeremy and Kerbi are living life with the kids; helping them learn values, skills, and the importance of loving one another. While the skate park is only open 4 nights a week, Jeremy and Kirby spend their days pouring into the youth.
Video #1 Just like Team Catalizador Costa Rica is my last month on the race! Like them I might stay with this missionary family in Paso Canoas on the border of Panama!
Video #2 Christina Kehres 3rd Month of the World Race
Ministry Partner: Christian Surfers Jaco (christiansurfers.net/CostaRica.aspx)
Please consider supporting my journey in faith by clicking:
My 1st deadline of $3,500 is right around the corner. I’m so blessed to be sharing this journey with you! Its an exciting thought to think that only $16,000 comes between me and serving these communities in Costa Rica. Will You help me GO?
Peace and Blessings,
Beth Milam
#BethBeyondBorders #InCostaRicaAsItIsInHeaven
Then I heard the voice of The Lord saying,
“whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. SEND ME!”
Isaiah 6:8
